What Holiday Trash Can Be Recycled; What Should Be Tossed?

TAMPA, FL — The holidays are a time for celebrating. But with that celebrating comes a lot of extra waste. During the holidays, Americans produce 25 percent more waste than during the rest of the year.

With increased waste around the house during the holidays, it can be difficult to discern what gets recycled from what gets tossed.

Graphic courtesy City of Tampa

To stay on Santa’s nice list this year, make sure to recycle the following:

• Wrapping paper (paper only)
• Cardboard boxes
• Catalogs
• Paper boxes
• Paper cards and envelopes
• Paper cartons
• Plastic bottles and containers
• Aluminum, tin and steel cans

Other common holiday items need to be thrown in the regular trash including:

• Christmas lights
• Garland and tinsel
• Foil wrapping paper
• Ribbons and bows
• Bubble wrap and plastic air pillows
• Styrofoam
• Plastic utensils
• Paper plates

Check your county or municipal website to see which days Christmas trees can put placed by the curb for recycling.